Internet-Based Trauma Recovery Intervention for Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Nurses are susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to occupational exposure to trauma.
• Developing accessible interventions is crucial for supporting nurses' mental well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an Internet-based trauma recovery intervention for Korean nurses.
• To assess the intervention's impact on nurses' functional health, resilience, and psychological distress.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 112 nurses aged 23-40 years.
• Intervention group received an 8-session Internet-based trauma recovery program; control group received standard care.
• Data collected at pre-test, post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up using validated measures.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in functional health and resilience were observed in the intervention group.
• The intervention led to significant reductions in post-traumatic stress, depressive symptoms, state anxiety, and trait anxiety.
• While social support showed group-by-time interactions, significant changes between groups or over time were not consistently observed for this measure.

Conclusions:

• The Internet-based trauma recovery nursing intervention is effective for nurses, particularly those with inflexible schedules.
• Findings support the implementation of such programs for nurses and potentially other high-stress populations, including COVID-19 survivors and their families.
• Nurse leaders should consider adaptable, Internet-based coping strategies for diverse populations and demanding work environments.